Harry Dietz: It's easy to understand why I write what I write

I used to be a very private person. Then I became the editor of a newspaper, and then I started to write a column.

So much has changed. Not because I wanted it to change, but because it needed to change. And so did I.

For years, I enjoyed my privacy. It was safe.

But sometimes what keeps a person safe also can isolate him.

Gradually, I have emerged from that shelter.

I still like to believe I'm somewhat guarded, but I'm much more open than I was years ago. I share my feelings, opinions and experiences. I take more chances.

Years ago, I learned to overcome my fears and feel comfortable speaking before large groups. I became comfortable writing to tens of thousands of readers. Of course, it helps to be prepared. But it also is good to understand that none of us is perfect. So if I make a mistake, I'll recover. And I have - made mistakes and recovered.

It's all because there's a value in this type of forum, which has given me an opportunity to have a positive impact on people's lives. To do that, sometimes I must leave my comfort zone.

So I write about personal things, which sometimes helps others and often helps me as well.

I have found that people relate to those personal subjects. Many others have similar experiences. We all have problems and disappointments. We have goals and dreams. We all need encouragement.

Especially, it's important to know that we're not alone.

So I write.

Often what we write and what we say can have a lasting impact on the lives of others - those we know and strangers. So can the way we live our lives. When all is said and done, what will have been more important than to help and care about others?

That outlook has been a lifetime in the making for me. A lot of it has been formed since I walked into the Reading Eagle newsroom as a 20-something youngster 35 years ago this week.

Since then I have met many people and heard from many others. I'm encouraged by the response from readers. Their comments strengthen my faith in humanity. I'm convinced most people are good and really care.

Many readers respond to my personal stories and observations with their own personal stories.

What I write may strike a chord in their own life. Or it may make someone stop and think. That makes it all worthwhile.

So I cherish the feedback I receive from readers. I'm encouraged when I find out that something I wrote had a positive impact on someone's life. Such as this recent note from Ann Sutherland:

"You see, I followed up on an article you had in your paper a while back. Specifically, the article about asking your loved ones about 20 questions about their lives. We reside here in Reading; I brought the questions back to Pittsburgh for my parents. My plan was to ask them the questions and put it in the 'Baby Book' of their new great grandson so he would know them always.

"The questions prompted a lively discussion between myself and my then 90-year-old father and my 83-year-old mother. I learned things about both of my parents that I am so happy I know now: for example, who was instrumental in their lives that motivated my mother to become a nurse and my dad to become an engineer.

"After celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in September 2013 and birthdays in October for both of them, my mother died suddenly on Oct. 30. My Dad can no longer live by himself, so he is now living with us at our home here in Reading. He has physical issues, but his mind is as 'sharp as a tack.'

"So, thank you, Mr. Deitz; you gave me a great gift: getting to know my mother a little bit better before it was too late. "